Lateral Ankle Avulsion Fracture

NHS Virtual Fracture Clinic - Ankle Avulsion Fracture 

Healing:

This normally takes approximately 6 weeks for this to heal.

Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals. Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Pain and swelling:

Your ankle may be swollen and painful. Swelling is often worse at the end of the day. It is normal to have mild pain and swelling for 3-6 months after your injury. ​

Taking pain medication, elevating your foot and using ice or cold packs will help. More information is on the next page.

Walking and your boot:

The boot protects your foot and will make you more comfortable. Wear the boot when you are standing and walking. Wear the boot when you are standing and walking for the first 2 weeks. You can take it off at night and at rest. 

Please inform us if you are diabetic; you may need a special boot. 

You are allowed to put weight through your foot. You may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages.

Exercises:

It is important to start exercises as soon as possible. Instructions are below.

Follow up:

A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. If you still have significant pain and swelling after 3 months, then please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic team.

Any questions:

If you are concerned about your symptoms, are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan or have pain other than at the site of your injury please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic team.

Caring for your injury: Weeks 1-2

Remember to wear your boot whenever standing and walking. You can remove the boot when resting, at night and to wash and dress. Wear a long sock in your boot.

Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your foot for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin.

Try to rest your foot, especially in the first 24-72 hours. Raise your foot on a stool or cushions to that it is above the level of your hip. This will help to reduce your swelling.

Exercises:

Early movement of the ankle and foot is important to promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot).

Do these exercises 3-4 times a day. Start straight away, you do not need to push into pain.

1. Point your foot up and down. Repeat this 10 times.
2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn the foot outwards. Repeat this 10 times. Do this movement gently within comfort.
3. Make gentle circles with your foot in one direction and then the other direction. Repeat this 10 times.

Caring for your injury: Weeks 3-6

It is now 2 weeks since your injury and you can start to wean out of you boot. Stop using it around your own home first and continue wearing it for longer distances. You should aim to be walking without your boot by 6-8 weeks after injury.

It is normal to still have mild discomfort and swelling. This may continue for 3-6 months.

Activity and exercise

Gradually increase your level of activity. You should avoid impact activity for 3 months. This includes running, jumping and dancing. 

You can now progress your exercises. 

Stretches:

1. Sit with your leg straight out in front of you. Put a towel or bandage around your foot and pull it towards you. Feel a stretch in the back of the calf. Hold for 30 seconds.
1. Point your toes down as far as they go, place your other foot on top and apply some pressure. This will stretch the top of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds.

Balance:

Level 1: These exercises are for people who couldn't stand on one leg before the injury.  1. Stand with your feet as close together as possible. Hold onto a firm support in safe space. Hold your balance for 30 seconds.    2. Now try removing your hand. Try to keep your balance for 30 seconds.    3. Hold onto a firm support. Put one foot in front of the other, as close together as you can. Hold this for 30 seconds. If you can, try to let go of the support and keep your balance.

Level 2: These exercises are for people who could stand on one leg before their injury.  1. Hold onto a firm surface in a safe space. Try to stand on one leg. Hold this for 30 seconds. Stop if you experience pain. When you can do this comfortably, try the next exercise.  2. Try to stand on one leg without holding on to a support. Try to hold this for 30 seconds. When you can do this comfortably, try the next exercise.  3. You can try these exercises with your eyes closed. Make sure you are always in a safe environment with support to hold if needed.

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Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you are struggling to recover your movement or return to activity. 

Frequently asked questions